With passenger air traffic surging, India's aviation watchdog asserts that the nation’s skies remain safe despite several high-profile crashes and reports of technical shortcomings.**
Navigating Turbulent Skies: India's Aviation Safety Under Scrutiny Amid Recent Crashes**
Navigating Turbulent Skies: India's Aviation Safety Under Scrutiny Amid Recent Crashes**
Following a series of devastating incidents, concerns grow over India's aviation safety standards and regulatory responses.**
In the wake of rising global scrutiny, Indian aviation officials are attempting to reassure the public about the safety of the skies over India. This follows the tragic crash of an Air India flight in June, which resulted in the deaths of at least 270 people shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad airport. The rapid increase in passenger air traffic—more than doubling since 2014-15—has intensified discussions about aviation safety protocols.
Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, chief of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), emphasized the country’s commendable safety record relative to global standards. In an interview, Kidwai pointed to data from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), indicating that Indian aviation has historically performed better than the global average concerning flight accidents. He noted that out of the years spanning 2010 to 2024, India exceeded the global average in accident rates only during years of significant industry mishaps.
While major accidents have been rare, recent events have sparked renewed anxiety. For example, a Delhi-Srinagar flight recently encountered severe turbulence, highlighting ongoing concerns about operational safety. The regulator's recent investigations revealed alarming maintenance practices within SpiceJet, where damaging propeller issues were not adequately addressed, leading to direct intervention from the DGCA.
Kidwai acknowledged these lapses, stating the importance of accountability within airline management. Additionally, concerns surrounding Air India Express arose when it was found to have delayed necessary engine part replacements, leading to disciplinary actions against involved personnel. The regulator is advocating a culture of transparency within the industry, encouraging airlines to promptly report technical glitches rather than obscure potential safety issues.
Figures reveal that since 2020, Indian carriers have documented nearly 2,500 technical faults, primarily attributed to major airlines such as IndiGo and SpiceJet. The DGCA indicated that this uptick in reporting is beneficial, reflecting a more proactive approach to safety oversight.
As air traffic continues to grow, with projections suggesting a leap to over 2,000 operational aircraft by the decade's end, the regulatory body faces increasing pressure. Nevertheless, Kidwai reassured the public that despite a temporary dip in air travel following the recent Air India crash, the overall demand remains resilient, emphasizing that time will reduce public anxiety as the situation stabilizes.
As India's aviation sector navigates a challenging landscape, the commitment to maintaining safety and improving operational protocols will be vital in restoring and reinforcing trust among travelers.
